Abolitionists are people who are opposed to slavery. One very famous abolitionist was John Brown. Though it was common for most to oppose slavery with only words, John Brown opposed slavery in a more violent way. He proved so by murdering five pro-slavery settlers after abducting them. Then, in 1859, Brown once again took his revenge. He took the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, freed and armed the slaves in the area, and started a rebellion against the slaveholders.
On October 16th of 1859, Brown and his eighteen followers seized the arsenal. He yelled out to the night watchmen, "I have possession now of the United States armory, and if the citizens interfere with me I must only burn the city and have blood." Shortly after, the U.S. marines arrived and outnumbered Brown so he was forced to surrender.
On October 16th of 1859, Brown and his eighteen followers seized the arsenal. He yelled out to the night watchmen, "I have possession now of the United States armory, and if the citizens interfere with me I must only burn the city and have blood." Shortly after, the U.S. marines arrived and outnumbered Brown so he was forced to surrender.